March Madness

Is it really March already? I can't believe Shaun and I have lived in Ohio for almost 3 months now! Lots of things have been going on and it seems that the "madness" is just beginning.

Shaun started his new part-time job today.

Yesterday, I had an interview for a really awesome job. More details in a minute.

Last weekend, Citichurch celebrated their 7 year anniversary.

Last night, a Rabbi came to our church and led a Passover meal. It was amazing!

This weekend, we're having a youth bowling night.

Our monthly calendar fills up quickly these days, but it's a good thing because it keeps us on our toes. So, more about my potential job...Citi church is partnering with the local YMCA and opening up their facility to become a childcare site. And, they need a site director. That's where I come in! I've been talking/meeting/interviewing for a week or so now about this opportunity and it seems very awesome. It's full-time with benefits :) I'm praying that God's will be done in this situation. I miss working with the infant/toddler age group, and I would love to be able to do that full-time!

Last week, at Shift, we had a St. Patrick's Day party. Through my research on St. Patrick, I learned that he ended up being a christian missionary and used the shamrock to represent the Holy Trinity. Pretty cool, huh?

That's about it for the updates. :)

Our 1st Visitors

On February 12th-15th (Valentine's Day weekend), Mom and Nathan drove up to visit me and Shaun. It was GREAT being able to see some of my family and share with them our new home and city. I had to work Friday night at the mall, so Nate and Mom came along and walked around the mall until I got off work. Saturday, we all went to Snow Trails, the ski resort about 5 miles from our apartment. We went snow tubing! It was a blast!!!! I definitely want to go back again. We ate at Steak n' Shake afterwards and then went home and passed out. We were all exhausted! After a refreshing nap, we went out to dinner at a local Mexican restaurant. Sunday, Mom and Nate got to experience Citichurch. We ate lunch at Bag of Nails, a really neat Irish pub. That afternoon, we went to the YMCA swimming pool. Shaun and I loved the waterslide. Nate liked the lazy river. Mom and Nate headed back home on Monday...in a BLIZZARD! So thankful they made it home in one piece. I miss them already and can't wait to see them again! :) Love you guys!

Snowpocalypse

Shaun and I moved to Ohio 39 days ago. We are finally learning our way around, how different roads connect, learning shortcuts, etc. We’ve been able to experience a few of Ohio’s favorite things, like Sunday lunch at Dutch Heritage (an Amish restaurant), a Columbus Blue Jackets hockey game, and many, many snowball fights. It’s definitely been an epic adventure so far, but I don’t think anything or anyone could of prepared us for our most recent experience. The “winter storm warning” was the most talked about piece of news these past few days. People were flocking Wal-mart, schools were closing early, and news anchors warned everyone in the area that about 20-28 inches of snow was headed our way. Braving the storm, Jason (a guy from our church with a sweet four-wheel drive) picked us up last night and took us to the King’s house for some awesome dinner and games. Afterwards, we all decided to go sledding. It was so much fun! Shaun and I got home around 2 am. We were exhausted and sore from the sledding, and the snow was pouring down. And the predictions were true, this morning we saw every bit of 28 inches encumbered outside our front door. However, the sun was smiling down at me and we made eye contact. I love when the sun shines…unfortunately it doesn’t happen very often. Thus concludes our 1st blizzard experience. ☺ I’m sure there’s many more to come.

In other news, God is so good and so faithful. A couple of weeks ago, I got a job as a Program Assistant at the Salvation Army’s Dewald Community Center. I am so excited about this amazing opportunity to work with children and get to build relationships with them and share the love of Christ with them. The Dewald Center serves as an after-school program for 2nd-6th graders with poor reading skills, broken families, poor self-esteem, and mild behavior problems. I’m still working at Debs in the mall, but only on the weekends.

Shaun also got offered another part-time job at Crest Star Healthcare. He basically gets to hang out with a few teenage guys a few times a week. He hasn’t started yet, but will in the near future. He’s doing a fantastic job with the youth at Citichurch and is helping out with renovations at the church/youth room. There is a lot of work to do, but already we are seeing huge changes…in a good way.

Alright folks, have a great February!

Happy New Year

Happy New Year everyone! Shaun and I have been super busy since the move, so I'm thankful to finally get to sit down and blog. :) We got to kick-off 2010 here in Ohio, complete with a worship service (by our dear friend, Adam), chicken fajitas at Dr. Drew's house, Pictionary, an Ohio State Buckeyes game, and....pop! It was a great way to start the new year.

I'm still trying to find a good, consistent job and God is still opening doors for me. I start a new job Monday at the local mall and have an interview the following day for a Program Assistant position at the Dewald Center. It's part of the Salvation Army and offers before and after school tutoring programs, etc. for children and youth. I am putting ALL my trust in the Lord and remembering that He is always faithful. I know he already has the perfect job picked out for me.

Isaiah 40:31 Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.

On another note, January 7th served as a pretty memorable day in the eyes of many....the Crimson Tide won the National Championship!!! Shaun promised that if Bama won by over 15 points, then he would make a snow angel in only his shorts and Houndstooth hat. Well, Bama won by a whopping 16 points. It was quite the celebration! :)

(If you would like to see the video, it is located on Facebook as well as Youtube....search for "Roll Tide Snow Angel." :) Enjoy!

Hello, Ohio

We made it! Yesterday morning (12/29), Shaun and I woke up at 2:30am to get ready for the big move. We left Ft. Payne around 5am, each driving separate vehicles, and after a long and tiring 9 hour drive, we made it to Mansfield! This place is covered with snow, which is so beautiful...and so cold! 16 degrees cold. Yikes! This will definitely be an adjustment but we are very excited. I have a job interview today! More details to come on that. Here's a couple of pictures outside of our apartment. SNOW! Oh, and we miss everyone! :)

Merry Christmas to all (and to all a good night)

-Our first Christmas-
We wish everyone a very merry Christmas! Shaun and I are excited to make memories this Christmas & start new traditions. :) Thank you, Christie Sims, for taking our picture.

Pictures of our apartment in Ohio

Ahhh!!! Finally, we received a few photos of our apartment in Mansfield! I'm so excited to decorate! It looks awesome! Definitely an upgrade from the pink house...ha! And we have a closet--a real one! We will upload more photos once we get up there, but here's a few to tie you over until the big move! Get excited!!!! :)